528 



FIELD LARK. 



having the beak much broader at the base than 

 that bird, and having the legs yellowish brown, 

 and not dusky; this has also the hind claw shorter 

 and more curved. The manners of this bird also 

 greatly resemble those of the Tit, but it is a soli- 

 tary species, never associating in flocks as that 

 bird is accustomed to do, but appearing to be 

 thinly scattered over the more enclosed places, 

 not being seen on the moors and downs, where the 

 Tit-lark is most abundant. The nest of this bird 

 is placed only amongst high grass in the most cul- 

 tivated parts, where there are plenty of trees : it 

 is composed of dry grass, fibrous roots, and a little 

 moss, lined with fine grass and hair : its eggs are 

 of a dirty blueish white, blotched and spotted with 

 purplish brown : they are four in number. 



Xhe song of this bird, w^hich is only uttered 

 during its descent from flight, is greatly superior 

 to that of the Tit-lark, though somewhat similar. 

 Its flight is very peculiar, mounting up in a flut- 

 tering manner, and after some time descending to 

 a neighbouring tree with motionless wing and 

 expanded tail, and then pitching on the ground, 

 warbling during its descent. It is found in the 

 western and southern parts of England, and in 

 South Wales. 



